New Delhi: In a groundbreaking move, a Pakistani Hindu woman has filed her nomination to contest the 8 February general elections in Pakistan. Dr Saveera Parkash would become the first minority woman candidate to contest from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s PK-25 Buner district on a Pakistan People’s Party ticket if the party accepts her nomination. But Pakistanis are already hailing her for breaking “stereotypes”.
Omar R Quraishi, a former media advisor to PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, congratulated Zardari and his party for giving a ticket to Parkash.
“Kudos to BBZ and the PPP for giving a general seat ticket for the KP Assembly election to a female Hindu candidate Saveera Parkash – the candidate is a doctor and will contest elections of PK 25 Buner,” Quraishi said on X.
Meanwhile, an individual from Buner district wrote that he “wholeheartedly” supported Parkash for breaking “stereotypes”. A third X user said that this would be the “first time” in “history” that a minority candidate would contest for a general seat from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district.
‘Noteworthy, groundbreaking’
Startup Pakistan, a news platform covering technology, startups and general news called Parkash’s nomination a “noteworthy development” and a “groundbreaking moment” in a post on X.
Her candidature has been covered by almost every major Indian media house, with an emphasis on her religion. And even though her candidature isn’t confirmed, Parkash remains “hopeful”.
Parkash completed her MBBS in 2022 and is a general secretary of the PPP women’s wing in Buner.
PK-25 is part of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial legislature, which has a total strength of 145 members – 115 general seats, with 26 reserved for women and 4 reserved for non-Muslims.
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‘Serving humanity is in my blood’
Parkash, referencing her medical background, explained to Dawn that “serving humanity” is in her blood. She also emphasised her desire to work for the welfare of women in Buner district, ensure a safe space for them and help them attain their rights.
Her candidature also received an endorsement from Imran Noshad Khan, a social media influencer in the district. Parkash is breaking “stereotypes perpetuated by traditional patriarchy”, Khan told Dawn.
The Election Commission of Pakistan in its recent amendments included a five percent inclusion of women candidates to general seats as per local media reports.